New year, new rules: traffic offenders have to pay 2025!

New year, new rules: traffic offenders have to pay 2025!

In 2025, significant changes are imminent for drivers in Germany and all of Europe. From January it will be stricter with the traffic rules: Anyone who commits traffic violations in an EU country, such as excessive speeds or driving under the influence of alcohol, is confronted with consequences that now apply across borders. Specifically, this means that a license withdrawal that is imposed abroad is also effective in the home country, since new regulations provide for a uniform license withdrawal. This will also affect the fines and punishments for serious violations such as accidents with personal injury, according to the information from az-online.de.

In addition, the change to the digital driver's license will take place on January 19, 2025, which means that the old pink or gray paper guide notes are no longer permitted - with one exception for those born before 1953. If the drivers continue to use this old man, there are considerable legal consequences. In addition, a new registration office for accidents is introduced, which promises a simpler and faster report of traffic accidents, as the ADAC reports. Soon drivers can report incidents online or directly to the police, which will significantly change the previously applicable regulations on the accident.

more expensive punishments and increased costs

However, the changes not only bring new regulations with them, but also financial effects. From January 2025, CO₂ levies will be increased, which means that the prices at the petrol stations will increase-about three cents per liter of diesel and petrol. In addition, in countries like Italy from December 2024, higher penalties for traffic violations are to be expected, with restrictions on alcohol and drug trips that can lead to drastic fines. In France, new intelligently controlled speed cameras are planned that can capture several violations at the same time.

A significant increase in vignette prices in Austria is also relevant for travelers. The annual vignette now costs over 100 euros, an increase of almost 7 euros compared to the previous year. Travelers should therefore prepare well and recognize that 2025 is not only a year of innovations, but also the higher costs for drivers.

Overall, Germany faces major changes in road traffic, which will not only be noticeable within the borders of the Federal Republic, but also affect the European Community. Interested parties can be found in the articles from Az-online.de and the ADAC.